Bitterroot Flowers to be Celebrated at Ravalli County Museum

The Bitter Roots are flowering around the valley just in time for the 38th annual Bitter Root Day at Hamilton's Ravalli County Museum this Saturday, June 9. The museum staff will have plenty of the official Montana State Flowers to view, and The People's Center in Pablo will bring in traditional dancers and drummers, along with a Salish history and culture display. At the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, almost 6,000 people voted for the Montana State Flower and the Bitter Root won with almost four thousand votes, according to the Ravalli County Museum researchers. The Salish honor the flower's appearance in spring through celebration and feasts.

The expanded Farmers Market will start things off at 9 a.m. Saturday at Third and Bedford Streets in Hamilton and the museum lawn will be the site of many of the associated activities. Two contests are also being conducted - a homemade jerky contest and a recycled craft competition. More information and applications for the contests at online at the Ravalli County Museum website.